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This paper presents the empirical findings of a research study undertaken in the Western Province of Zambia. The principal objective was to explore if the issuance of land ownership certificates (LOCs) improves the customary landholders" perceptions of security of tenure. Thus, we test a null hypothesis that: "There are no significant differences in the perceived security of tenure between customary landholders with land ownership certificates and customary landholders without land ownership certificates". A survey was undertaken of customary landholders and land administration officials using structured in-depth interviews and group discussions. The research used a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches where the views of customary landholders with certificates were compared with those with none based on a security of tenure assessment framework. It was revealed that the land ownership certificates (LOCs) provide the customary landholders with a perceived protection from losing land rights. However, the LOC does not improve other perceptions of customary landholders towards tenure security. In fact most of the perceptions of customary landholders with land ownership certificates are statistically not any different from the others. All customary landholders perceive their tenure as secured under the customary land administration in Western Province. The paper concludes by stating that the absence of a legal recognition renders the LOC insignificant in enhancing the perceived security of tenure. Legal recognition of the customary land administration system in Western Province of Zambia is therefore recommended.

The purpose of the study was to determine the constraining factors in realizing strategic plan objective by Kitwe City Council in Zambia. This was a case study that focused on the strategic plan of the Council for the period 2012 to 2016. The research used qualitative methodology that also employed grounded theory methods during the data collection, i.e., interviews and documentary reviews. Content analysis was the main analytical tool utilized for the analysis. The results of the study indicated that, the City Council had an ambitious plan which was unrealistic in the sense that within the plan period, too many priority projects were incorporated in the plan. Furthermore, the implementation of the plan lacked committed leadership drive and visioning at the departmental level of the institution, lacked ownership of the strategic plan document, inadequate financial resources generated by the Council to finance the projects, non-coordination and harmonization of strategies in implementation of strategic activities by the departments within the \council, political interference and non-collaboration of potential cooperating partners affected the implementation of the plan, hence achieving virtually insignificant proportion of the expected outcomes of the strategic objectives. The findings of the study provide significant and valuable information to all management of Local Authorities in Zambia and perhaps in the developing economies that perceive that formulation of strategic plan is significant to improve the service delivery to their citizenry under their areas of jurisdiction.

Although several recent studies have shown how high voltage transmission (HVT) lines affect property values, no work has been undertaken in Zambia. This paper explores if there is a prima facie relationship between HVT lines and residential property values in Zambia. A priori evidence shows a paradox, with many new developments springing up in areas of high concentrations of HVT lines though residents vehemently complain about the mal-effects of HVT lines. Why then should land perceived to be inferior or “stigmatized” attract new developments? It is against this background that the householders’ perceptions of HVT lines are explored and the resulting effects on property values ascertained. A household survey was conducted in the Chalala, Libala South and Kamwala South areas of Lusaka city where developments have been undertaken around HVT Lines. The study also examined the statistical relationship of distances from HVT line with residential property values. Results show residential property values rise with increasing distance from the HVT line. It is recommended that the statutory wayleave distances should be raised to at-least 100 meters from the existing 31 meters for a 132kV line. It is further recommended that the regional wayleave guidelines currently in use should be made national.